With Ken Burns's Jazz having brought the music into our living rooms on a regular basis, it seems a bit less anomalous that jazz shows were once as common on the tube as so-called reality programming is today (OK, maybe... more &raquo not that common). Ralph J. Gleason's Jazz Casual series was one such outlet; Jazz Scene USA, executive produced by Steve Allen and hosted by singer Oscar Brown Jr., was another. The formats were similar: a little talk and a lot of straight-ahead blowing. The perfect setting, then, for alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley, who appeared on both shows during their early '60s runs. Dapper and dignified, articulate and affable, Adderley was also arguably the best alto player since Charlie Parker, with a superb band to boot (featuring brother Nat on cornet, Yusef Lateef on tenor sax, flutes, and oboe, and future Weather Report cofounder Joe Zawinul on piano). Playing just four complete tunes here, the sextet covers an extraordinary amount of territory, from the hard bop of Quincy Jones's "Jessica's Birthday" and the African drone of "Primitive" to two popular Nat Adderley tunes, "Jive Samba" (here called "Bossa Nova Nemo") and the blues-drenched "Work Song." A marvelous performance--and the DVD sound is excellent. If "boss tenor" man Teddy Edwards's set of five hard-bop Edwards originals is less scintillating, it's less a reflection on him (au contraire--he and his sextet swing mightily, especially on "Sunset Eyes") than a result of the simple misfortune of having to follow Cannonball to the stand. --Sam Graham&laquo less

Movie Reviews

Uncut performances by jazz greats. A must-have.

12/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As-is, this is the original 1962 TV show. This volume features two episodes- Cannonball Adderley's group and Teddy Edward's group. Great music and very creative camera work (which is a complement to the spontaneous music being performed) make this mostly-music DVD a breath of fresh air for those who want to see and hear uncut musical performances. The hipster-host of the show is quite amusing too. I am looking forward to adding future volumes of this series to my DVD collection."

Cannonball's Yusef Lateef band and Great Teddy Edwards

J. E. Fox | New York, New York United States | 08/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This selection from the Jazz Scene USA series is probably the strongest for pure music. Cannonball has one of his best bands with the great Yusef Lateef on tenor and flute and Joe Zawinul playing at his best. Of more intrest for jazz fans is the Teddy Edwards band. With Freddie Hill, trumpet and Richard Boone, trombone, the band plays nice arrangements of several of Teddy's greatest tunes. It's a rare chance to see this artist at his prime. It relates somewhat to the "Avalon" CD Fantasy released a while ago that still may be obtainable.The whole series is worth getting for the pure music played as it should be."

Thoroughly enjoyable look at some all-time Jazz greats

Steve | Chicago, IL United States | 02/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this DVD for my 14yo budding jazz saxophonist son. He was previously attracted to Cannonball Adderly's sound, but had never seen footage of him playing. The complete focus on the musician's playing their music was refreshing. This is much different than today, where one song and follow-up interview is the TV norm. The quality and creativity of the camera work was stunning.
We've replayed the DVD several times. We certainly enjoyed the music; "Work Song" is one of my son's favorites. But, we also checked out the musicians (some great closeups of a young Joe Z and Yusaf Lateef, Cannonball's personality...). The instruments themselves are a focal point for my son with the closeups even showing the detailed art deco style engraving of Nat Adderly's Cornet. Finally, we were able to focus on musical technique where the closeups showed their embouchure, fingering, breathing, Yusaf Lateef on a homemade flute. My son was experimenting on his Tenor sax as soon as we finished.
In general, the DVD was entertaining and motivating for my son and thoroughly enjoyable for me. A great way to expose my son to the all-time jazz greats, this DVD was a surprisingly effective way of reinforcing my son's instructors efforts to establish correct technique. My expectations were exceeded."

It's wonderful to see Cannonball on video!

Michael Graziano | Guilford CT. USA | 07/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every sax student to pro player should see this video...Being a pro and sax teacher for 25+ yrs I know what I'm talking about! Get it! By the way, watch it many times as you will hear & see new things each viewing."